The 2025 Lions vs Australia Rugby series opened with a compelling showdown in Brisbane, as the British & Irish Lions claimed a 27-19 victory over the Wallabies in the first Test match. Here's your complete roundup of the opening chapter in this unmissable series—a must-read for anyone searching for Lions vs Australia Rugby blog post content and looking to stay updated on the latest result.
Lions vs Australia Rugby Result: How the First Test Was Won
- Date & Time: Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 8:00pm AEST (Brisbane)
- Final Score: Lions 27 – 19 Australia
The Lions were in control for much of the match, leading 17-5 at halftime. Scotland's Finn Russell orchestrated the victory with a peerless display at fly-half, scoring an early penalty and converting all three Lions tries while engineering the attack throughout.
Key Moments
- Early Dominance: Finn Russell opened the scoring inside two minutes, before his sharp distribution set up Sione Tuipulotu for the first try of the game inside 10 minutes.
- Tom Curry’s Statement: England flanker Tom Curry powered through for the Lions' second try in the 36th minute as the visitors went into halftime up 17-5.
- Australian Response: Max Jorgensen registered Australia’s opening try with an athletic finish, but the hosts repeatedly struggled to match the Lions' structure and breakdown intensity.
- Lions Pull Away: Dan Sheehan added the Lions’ third try early in the second half, and Marcus Smith’s late penalty all but sealed the match.
- Late Wallaby Fightback: Two Wallabies tries in the final quarter—including a last-minute effort from Tate McDermott—brought the home side back within eight points. However, it was too late to threaten the Lions’ lead.
Standout Performances
- Finn Russell: Controlled the match from 10, scoring 12 points from the tee and providing attacking direction.
- Tom Curry: Immense physicality in the loose and a crucial try, vindicating his selection after pre-match debate.
- Tadhg Beirne: Named player of the match by Sky Sports, dominating the breakdown and providing vital carries.
Reactions & What’s Next in the Series
- Lions’ Perspective: Captain Maro Itoje and coach Andy Farrell praised the team’s early intent and physicality but acknowledged a need to cut out discipline issues ahead of the next Test.
- Wallabies Outlook: Coach Joe Schmidt pointed to Australia’s late resurgence as a source of optimism. Injuries may be a concern, but the Wallabies will regroup for the second Test, which becomes a must-win.
- Series Impact: The Lions lead the three-Test series 1-0 and head to Melbourne with a chance to clinch the series next week.